Deafening cheers and joyful screams of thousands of fans greeted K-pop group BTS members Jimin and Jung Kook as they were discharged from South Korea's military on Wednesday, June 12, 2025. The pair, who had been serving together in the army's 5th Infantry Division, walked out of the military base near Seoul, waving to the crowd and hugging each other. It marked a historic moment: the final two members of the iconic seven-man group to complete South Korea's mandatory military service, bringing the world-famous ensemble one giant step closer to a long-awaited full reunion.
"Thank you so much for waiting for us," Jung Kook told the ecstatic fans, many of whom had camped out overnight. "We are so happy to be back. We promise an even better version of BTS ahead." Jimin, visibly emotional, added, "We will work hard to prepare for our return. ARMY, we love you." The term 'ARMY' refers to the BTS fan base, one of the most dedicated and organized fandoms in the world.
Jimin and Jung Kook are the latest of the seven members to finish their service. Jin, the oldest member, completed his service in June 2023, followed by J-Hope in October 2023. RM and V were discharged just a day earlier, on June 11, 2025. The remaining member, SUGA, is currently serving as a social service agent — an alternative form of military service for those who cannot serve in active duty due to health or other reasons — and is scheduled for discharge on June 21, 2025. Once SUGA is out, all seven members will be civilian again for the first time since June 2022.
The military enlistment of BTS had been a topic of intense debate in South Korea. For years, fans and lawmakers argued whether the group should receive an exemption due to their cultural and economic contributions. In 2020, the South Korean government revised the Military Service Act to allow pop culture artists who have been recommended by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism to postpone their service until age 30. However, no full exemption was granted, and by late 2022, all members either enlisted or began alternative service. The hiatus was a blow to the global music industry, but BTS left a huge legacy: they had become the first Korean act to top the Billboard Hot 100 multiple times, to sell out stadiums worldwide, and to be nominated for a Grammy. Their final single before the hiatus, "Yet to Come (The Most Beautiful Moment)," became an anthem of hope for fans awaiting their return.
The scenes outside the military base on Wednesday were reminiscent of a rock concert. Thousands of fans from across the globe — including the US, Brazil, Japan, the Philippines, and various European countries — gathered at the base. Mobile networks briefly crashed due to the sheer number of people trying to post updates. Satellite feeds faced interruptions as broadcasters from multiple countries set up live coverage. Among the fans was Anaisa Silva, a 30-year-old from Portugal, who told the AFP news agency, "I think I'm gonna cry. I've been waiting for this day for two years. It feels like a dream." Rosie Tanquilut, 64, from the Philippines, said, "We couldn't sleep! We've been counting the days since they entered military. I'm a grandmother, but BTS makes me feel young." The crowd waved purple hearts (the official color of the BTS fandom) and sang the group's songs.
The reunion of BTS is not just a sentimental event — it is an economic giant ready to reawaken. According to official data from the Hyundai Research Institute, BTS contributed more than $4 billion annually to the South Korean economy before their hiatus, accounting for roughly 0.2% of the country's total GDP. This includes tourism, merchandise, cosmetics, fashion, and the booming K-pop industry. In 2023, all seven members signed renewed contracts with their agency HYBE, ensuring that the group would continue under the same roof. Industry analysts predict that BTS's comeback in 2025 will spark a massive wave in global music sales, streaming numbers, and concert ticket revenues. Already, stock prices of HYBE have surged in anticipation. "BTS is not just a band; they are a brand that defines a generation," said music industry analyst Kim Young-jin. "Their return will likely break multiple records."
The impact of BTS extends far beyond music. The group has been instrumental in spreading Korean culture (Hallyu) worldwide. They have addressed the United Nations, promoted literacy and mental health awareness, and built a massive philanthropic presence — their LOVE MYSELF campaign with UNICEF has raised millions of dollars for children and teens. Jimin and Jung Kook, in particular, are known for their powerful vocals and dance skills. Jimin, born Park Jimin in 1995, trained at the Busan High School of Arts and is considered one of the most talented dancers in K-pop. Jung Kook, born Jeon Jungkook in 1997, is often called the "Golden Maknae" (youngest member) for his ability to sing, dance, and produce music. Both have released successful solo projects: Jimin's debut solo album "FACE" (2023) and Jung Kook's "GOLDEN" (2023) both topped charts worldwide.
As the discharged members walked out, they were greeted not only by fans but also by their fellow BTS members who had already been discharged. Jin and J-Hope were seen waiting nearby, and the four hugged and chatted warmly, sparking rumors of an imminent group activity. "The reunion is almost here," wrote one fan on social media. "I can't wait to see all seven together on stage again." The timing of the reunion is being carefully planned. While no official date has been announced, industry sources suggest that a new album and a world tour could begin as early as late 2025. The group's 12th anniversary is on June 13, 2025, and celebrations have already started in Seoul with banners reading "WE ARE BACK." Concerts, fan meetings, and a documentary are reportedly in the works.
However, the journey back to the top is not without challenges. The K-pop landscape has changed during BTS's absence. New groups like Stray Kids, TXT, ENHYPEN, and NewJeans have gained significant global followings. Yet, analysts believe BTS's unique bond with their fans and their extensive discography give them an edge. "No other group has the same level of global devotion as BTS," said Dr. Lee Soo-jin, a professor of popular culture at Seoul National University. "They pioneered the global expansion of K-pop, and their fans will welcome them back with open arms."
For Jimin and Jung Kook, the military experience was grueling but transformative. Both have spoken about how the service taught them discipline and gave them time to reflect. In a message recorded earlier for BTS's YouTube channel, Jung Kook said, "This break has made me realize how much I love performing. I can't wait to do it again." Jimin echoed similar sentiments: "We will come back stronger. The military made us stronger." As they drove away from the base in a black van, fans continued to wave and cry. The world is now waiting for the final piece — SUGA's discharge on June 21 — before the full machine of BTS can be restarted. Until then, the ARMY is celebrating. And as one banner in Seoul read: "BTS is not just a band; they are a family and a movement."
The discharge of Jimin and Jung Kook is a moment of closure and new beginnings. It marks the end of a two-year hiatus that began in June 2022 when the group announced they would take a break to explore solo projects and prepare for enlistment. During that time, each member released solo music, acted in television shows, or served in the military. The solo works were commercially successful: Jin released the hit single "The Astronaut," J-Hope dropped the album "Jack in the Box," SUGA produced under the alias Agust D, RM released "Indigo," V's solo album "Layover" was acclaimed, and Jimin and Jung Kook scored global hits. But the absence of group performances left a void. Concert organizers and festival promoters have already begun reaching out for post-reunion bookings. Coachella, Glastonbury, and Tokyo Dome are rumored to be on the wishlist. The economic ripple effect is expected to boost South Korea's tourism as well — a study by the Korea Tourism Organization found that BTS-related tourism generated over $1.2 billion in 2019 alone.
On the day of the discharge, the Seoul metropolitan area saw a surge in hotel bookings and restaurant sales near the military base. Local business owners were thrilled. "This is the biggest event we've had since before the pandemic," said a cafe owner in Paju, the city where the base is located. "Fans came from everywhere. They bought cups, cakes, and merchandise. I hope the reunion will bring even more." The Korean government also appears supportive; the Ministry of Culture has hinted at possible incentives for cultural exports post-BTS reunion. The global media coverage is intense, with headlines from the New York Times to the BBC focusing on the event. Even non-fans have taken notice of the scale of fandom.
As night falls on the discharge day, fans continue to gather outside the base, lighting purple glow sticks. Some are already booking flights for June 21, when SUGA will be released. The conversation online is buzzing with theories about the new group concept, the title track, and even a potential Grammy submission. BTS has never won a Grammy despite being nominated twice, and many hope the reunion album will finally earn them the golden gramophone. The pressure is high, but the members have always thrived under pressure.
In summary, the return of Jimin and Jung Kook to civilian life is more than a homecoming; it is a prelude to the most anticipated comeback in music history. BTS proved that language barriers can be broken with passion and authenticity. They have inspired millions to learn Korean, to visit South Korea, and to believe in the power of music. As Jimin and Jung Kook said their goodbyes to their military comrades, they stepped into a new chapter. The world watches with bated breath. The next chapter of BTS begins now.
Source: dw.com News